ATHENS, Ohio (June 1, 2006) -- A free community Picnic in the Park will be held Sunday, June 18, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Ohio University's Emeriti Park. Sponsored by the Ohio University Emeriti Association, this event is open without charge to all members of the community.

More than just a picnic, this special event feature music, arts and craftwork and free ice cream and cookies at the close of the event. Local musicians who will perform include Sweet Adelines at 4 p.m., the Diversion Barbershop Quartet at 4:30 p.m., Bill Rawlins and Karen Deardorff at 5 p.m. and Charlie and Celia Lewis at 6 p.m.

Many different kinds of arts and crafts will be available for review and sale. Participating artists include David Alders of Colonial Wagon & Wheel, Amanda Buchana of Gemilli Contemporary Crafts, Karen Crauder of Abacus, Polly Creech of Hyacinth Bean, Teresa Curran of Ancient Arts, Susan Green of Metalplay Custom Jewelry, Margaret Gustafan of Lavender Drawers, Lissa Jollick of Cracked Thumb Pottery and Art and many more.

You can bring your own picnic food or you can purchase food from members of the Athens Restaurant Association. The Oak Room, Toscano's, Blue Gator, Skipper's, Seven Sauces, Brennan's, Lui Lui, Casa Nueva, Red Brick Tavern and the Pigskin will offer food for every taste.

This is a first-time event with members of the community, university, city government and local businesses involved in the planning. In the event of rain, the picnic will be cancelled.

For more information, please contact Joe Berman at 593-6213 or berman@ohio.edu.